Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

POM in USA vincamine

Nomenclature

Previously Vinca obtusiflora.
The Plant List (2010). Version 1.1 Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org

Toxicity

Almost all Vinca spp are toxic to some degree on ingestion due to presence of alkaloids that may lower blood pressure and can cause fainting and abdominal disturbances. A few, notably Caaharanthus rosea q.v., contain other alkaloids that damage dividing cells making them much more dangerous.
Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

Geographical distribution

  • Africa, Macaronesia, Azores
  • Africa, Northern Africa, Algeria
  • Africa, Northern Africa, Morocco
  • Europe, Southeastern Europe, Italy
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, France
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, Portugal
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, Spain

Vinca difformis Pourr.

Family: APOCYNACEAE
Genus: Vinca
Species: difformis Pourr.
Common names: Intermediate Periwinkle
Distribution summary: N. Africa, S.W. Europe
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: H4 - Hardy; average winter
Habitat: Understorey and margins of evergreen forest
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Plants of the World (B)
Flowering months: January, December
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic, prescription only medicine


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